Psalms 45:4, commentary and pictures

The verse pictures a commander at the head of his soldiers in battle, instructing them in fearful deeds done in righteousness as he moves forward step by step toward victory. His power upholds and encourages his people through the conflict until they triumph and he is received as King.

His riding forth comes after his pleading of his blood is finished and he will restrain himself no longer. Then he binds his sword upon his thigh and rides out for the rescue of the captive, attended by destroying angels. That riding ushers in the time when there will be no buying or selling, when a table is spread in the wilderness for those who are faithful, just, and true.

To ride prosperously is to win victory after victory in God's work by Christ's strength, not by learning, position, numbers, talents, or human will. This prospering lasts as long as Christ abides with his people as Immanuel. While they feel their inefficiency, look to Christ, humble themselves continually, wear his yoke, give him all the glory, and cooperate with God with a willing and sanctified heart, he meets every weakness with his strength and every inefficiency with his power and success. Prosperity rests on God's excellence rather than on self-glory, for when men take the glory to themselves he withdraws his excellence from them and they cease to ride prosperously.